What is the total IgE test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is an Immunoglobulin E (IgE)?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is one of the body’s 5 isotypes of immunoglobulins (antibodies). IgE is produced by B cells and plasma cells. Usually, the concentration of IgE in circulation is very minimal.
Also Read: IgA Test
What is the role of IgE in the body?
IgE has a protective effect and plays a very important role in the inflammatory process and hypersensitive response in several kinds of infections like parasitic infection, asthma, allergic rhinitis or allergic dermatitis etc.
When any foreign particle or antigens (allergens, microorganisms) enter the body, IgE releases histamines and biological substances that cause coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhoea. These actions serve to expel pathogens from the body.
What is an IgE Allergy test ( Total IgE)?
The IgE allergy test is done to measure the amount of IgE antibodies produced by the body. The total IgE test shows the sum of the IgE antibodies in the blood and it does not measure the specific form of IgE.
What is the normal value of total IgE?
The normal value of IgE – 0.001- 0.004mg/dl (0.1-0.4mg/L).
Total serum IgE- ranges from 150 to 300 UI/ml
Why IgE test is done?
The total IgE test is important to rule out several conditions like Allergic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, sinopulmonary infection, and eosinophilic dermatitis caused by allergens like dust, pollens, food reactions etc.
What does a high IgE level mean?
A high IgE level is frequently found in various allergic and helminthic parasitic diseases.
Symptoms may include:
- Frequent sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itching and redness of eyes with lachrymation
- Chronic cough
- Wheezing
- Dyspnoea
- Body eruptions like hives, papular eruptions etc.
- Vomiting
- Diarhhoea etc.
What does a low IgE level mean?
It is not easy to define IgE deficiency because IgE levels are usually very low. Immunoglobulin E deficiency can be defined as IgE levels less than 2U/ml in children and 4U/mL in adults. Low IgE levels have been reported in various forms of severe combined immunodeficiency, hyper-IgM syndrome, ataxia telangiectasis, etc.
How to reduce IgE level?
IgE levels can be lowered by avoiding certain allergens that are causing an allergic reaction in the body.
However, it is not possible to avoid certain allergens due to their higher prevalence so your doctor may prescribe you anti-IgE medication along with immunosuppressants.
In case of allergic bronchitis, the doctor may prescribe you bronchodilators to relieve the symptoms.
